University of Virginia Library

8911. WAR, Power to declare.—[further continued] .

As the Executive cannot
decide the question of war on the affirmative
side, neither ought it to do so on the negative
side, by preventing the competent body from
deliberating on the question. [509]
To James Madison. Washington ed. iii, 519. Ford ed., vi, 192.
(1793)

 
[509]

Not to convene Congress in special session would
be, in Jefferson's opinion, to “prevent” deliberation.—Editor.